Sarah Phelps-Jones for BIBS

Sarah Phelps-Jones with her youngest son, Joseph. Credit: UGC

Sarah Phelps-Jones is just one runner among the 66 who have signed up to raise money for BIBS.

Sarah's motivation to join team BIBS came after two of her own children spent time on the ward. One of her sons, Harry, was born five weeks early weighing just 3lb 14 oz after Sarah suffered from pre-eclampsia.

Jospeh, her youngest, spent two months on Buscot Ward due to being born 12 weeks early after his twin brother, Gabriel, very sadly passed away.

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Her eldest Harry, now an energetic six year old, will be running the Green Park Challenge with his mum before she heads to the start line for the 13.1 mile race.

Sarah said: "I'm running both the Green Park Challenge and #readinghalf to thank the ward for taking such good care of my boys in those precious early days and to help other babies and their families in the same situation.

"I've talked to Harry about why we are doing this together and it will be a very special and emotional moment when we cross the finish line."

Sarah is still taking donations for her run, with money being added to a total target of £80,000 for BIBS.

The money will be used to purchase two new and much-needed incubators for Buscot Ward, the special care baby unit at Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Matt Rodda MP for Launchpad

Launchpad CEO Ian Caren with Matt Rodda. Credit: UGC

Matt Rodda, best known for his role as Reading East's Labour MP, is taking to the start line to help the homeless community in Reading, Berkshire.

Launchpad does vital work supporting and aiming to prevent homelessness in Reading.

The politician is just one of 70 Launchpad runners in the Reading Half Marathon, you can expect to see them all sporting bright orange vests.